Arthur R. Thompson Sr., Chicago police officer, 1924-2014

Newsmakers and others from the Chicago area who died in 2014.

Joan Giangrasse Kates, Special to the Tribune

Arthur R. Thompson Sr. began a 32-year career with the Chicago Police Department as a patrol officer on the South Side, where one of his assignments was the security detail at the funeral of Emmett Till.

The death of Till, the 14-year-old black Chicago youth slain in Mississippi after reportedly whistling at a white woman, was a moving experience for Mr. Thompson, a Mississippi native who came to Chicago as a teenager, his son Anthony said.

"It impacted him on all levels, mostly because he was the father of two young sons, but also because he was the same age as Emmett Till when he left Mississippi to come to Chicago," his son said.

"He was what every Chicago cop should be," said former Chicago police Detective Tony Ortiz, who worked under Thompson for many years. "He was smart, decisive and always gave good advice. He taught me that to lead, you don't have to be a browbeater. That what you need is the respect of those serving over you, as well as under you, and that's what he earned day in and day out."

Born in Meridian, Miss., Mr. Thompson was 14 when he moved with his mother to Chicago's South Side. He graduated from St. Elizabeth High School, where he excelled in academics and sports and sang in the glee club, his son said.

"He came to Chicago and began to fit in almost immediately," his son said.

Mr. Thompson was an Army infantryman in France during World War II. In 1947, he married Bessie, who survives him.

Through the GI Bill, Mr. Thompson went to college and received a degree in psychology and later a master's, both from Roosevelt University. He joined the Police Department in June 1954.

After working as a patrol officer Mr. Thompson became a detective, investigating narcotics, robbery and homicides. In 1961, he was promoted to sergeant, remaining in the detective bureau as an investigative supervisor for Area 2 burglary.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 1970 and served as unit commander for the Cabrini-Green detail, the model cities unit and gang crimes west unit. In 1979, Mr. Thompson was appointed commander of the Englewood District on the South Side, a post he held for almost eight years.

"He didn't talk much about his work with us," his son said. "He was always more focused on what was going on in our lives."

Mr. Thompson was later named a captain before he retired April 15, 1987, after nearly 33 years on the force.

"He not only shaped careers, he shaped lives," said Ortiz, who retired in 2005. "I still think of him as I go through my day, when I talk with people, the way I look at things, the decisions I make. His imprint will always be there."

After his retirement, Mr. Thompson headed the security team at Stroger Hospital in Chicago, working there for eight years.

In July, the veteran participated in the Honor Flight out of Midway Airport. More than 80 WWII veterans visited Washington and war memorials. While there, he represented the group by placing the U.S. flag on the WWII Memorial.

"He flew back to Chicago that very same day, exhausted and reflective, but smiling all the same," his son said.

Survivors also include four other sons, Damon, Michael, Arthur R. II and Marc; a daughter, Kaye; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.